Charing Cross

The Jedi Bar

January 2, 2017 by John Gorevan Leave a Comment

239 North Street, Charing Cross, Glasgow. G3 7DL. Tel: 0141 221 0061.

In 2000 this was known as the Jedi Bar.

The Jedi Bar.2000.

The Jedi Bar was shaped like Darth Vader’s helmet. The pub was well known for it’s Star Wars decor and attracted many fans of the films. Outside you had one door entrance with two massive rocket engines on each side. The pub had three large projector screens and customers could play console games. In the summer you could enjoy a glass of cold beer and wine if that is your tipple, in the beer garden.

Update…2002 Jedi Bar has closed.

The Halcyon Bar. 2004.

The Halcyon Bar opened shortly after the Jedi Bar closed in 2002. Unfortunately, it only lasted for a short while and closed in March 2004.

Update December 2005…

Passing North Street today and noticed that this pub is now called Chinaski’s.

Chinaski’s. 2018. Tel: 0141 221 0061.

The bar is named after Henry Chinaski, the biographical protagonist of several works by the American writer Charles Bukowski.

Henry Charles “Hank” Chinaski is the literary alter ego of the American writer Charles Bukowski, appearing in five of Bukowski’s novels, a number of his short stories and poems, and in the films Barfly and Factotum. Although much of Chinaski’s biography is based on Bukowski’s own life story, the Chinaski character is still a literary creation that is constructed with the veneer of what the writer Adam Kirsch calls “a pulp fiction hero.” Works of fiction that feature the character include Confessions of a Man Insane Enough to Live With the Beasts (1965), Post Office (1971), South of no North (1973), Factotum (1975), Women (1978), Ham on Rye (1982), Hot Water Music (1983), Hollywood (1989), and Septuagenarian Stew (1990). He is also mentioned briefly in the beginning of Bukowski’s last novel, Pulp.

Chinaski is a writer who worked for years as a mail carrier. An alcoholic, womanising misanthrope, he serves as both the protagonist and antihero of the novels in which he appears, which span from his poverty-stricken childhood to his middle age, in which he finds some small success as a screenwriter.

Open every day from noon ’til midnight, food is served every day until 9pm. http://www.chinaskis.com

Do you have any memories of this bar? If so please leave a comment.

Speakers Corner. Driftwood.

November 11, 2016 by John Gorevan 3 Comments

2-4 St. George’s Road, Charing Cross, Glasgow. G3 6UJ. Tel: 0141 332 7000.

Speakers Corner. 1991.

In recent years this old pub has had many name changes including Driftwood, The Corner, The Gate, Burlin Jack’s it is now called Los Borrachos and has a Mexican theme.

Update 2014…

The pub is now back to the Driftwood.

Situated in Charing Cross Mansions designed by John James Burnet in 1891 in a French Renaissance style.

This pub was opened in 1963, it was formerly a retail store. The pub was then called Carrs Barr named after licensee Partick Joseph Carr. Mr Carr commissioned architect John P Coia to carryout the work involved. Various decorative effects combined to give the frontage an unusual appearance. Among the effects on the grey faced exterior interesting island patterns of mosaic.

Left to right Mr Patrick Carr, Mrs McGee and Mr McGee, manager of the Lampost, Duke Street.

The main feature of the premises was the El Moro Lounge, situated downstairs and approached through a short tunnel. The design contours of this arched patio lounge had been broken up to create small islands of comparative privacy. Textured plaster work had been used for the arches and alcoves as well as for the ceiling.

Exterior view of Carrs Keg, 2-4 St. George’s Road, with Mr Carr and two members of staff standing outside. 1963.

On the ground floor, at the front was the public bar and at the rear was the cocktail lounge and sandwich bar. The skilful use of paint, sheet copper and decorative plaster on this floor presented an effect that was both pleasing and impressive. Surmounting the rear part of the premises was a cupola dome, which was part of the original building and was incorporated into the transformation scene.

Interior view of the public bar. 1963.

What had been achieved at these new premises reflected considerable credit to the proprietor Mr Carr and architect Mr Coia and the contractors. The opening ceremony was performed by Bailie D J Docherty who congratulated Mr Carr and Mr Coia on the unique design and decor.

Interior view of El Moro Lounge. 1963.

Mr Carr also own the old Uneeda Bar, Duke Street now called the Lampost, and Patrick O’Kanes old pub on Pitt Street at the corner of Holm Street.

Rent a lounge, Speakers Corner, 2 St George’s Road. advert 1975.

Update…2005.

Driftwood. 2005.

The Driftwood Bar. 2008.

Facts…

Licence Holders.

1991 John McIIwaine.

1973-1970 Bernard McDonald.

1963 Patrick Joseph Carr.

Do you have any memories of this old Bar? If so please leave a comment.

END.

Blazes Bar.

November 11, 2016 by John Gorevan 1 Comment

225-233 North Street, Charing Cross, Glasgow. (formerly the Berkeley).

In the NEWS 1976…

GO TO BLAZES.

Two Glasgow business men have joined forces in a new venture which looks like being a surefire success.

Whisky broker Terry Alvis and Franco Fraioli, a restaurateur and chef, decided some time ago that Glasgow was short on smart nightspots. Explained Mr Alvis, “As a whisky broker I often have business clients from abroad. One likes to impress by giving them a good night out, but it was becoming difficult to find places where I could prove to them that Glasgow is a go-ahead city.”

So he and Mr. Fraioli embarked on a lengthy search which led them to the Berkeley at Charing Cross.

It has been in the hands of one family for 50 years when the duo took it over last April (1975). They never closed (although the restaurant was shut, the successful functions side of the business continued) while tremendous alterations and massive redecoration took place.

Finally Mr. Alvis and Mr. Fraioli opened the doors of their smart new restaurant and bars complex last month and called it Blazes. “This is not,” emphasised Mr Alvis, “because we wanted to attract young trendies. We don’t. Blazes is a sophisticated concept, where the finest of food and entertainment is provided in attractive surroundings.

“We chose the name mainly because of the flambe cooking we offer, our headwaiter is a wizard with lamp cooking beside the diners’ tables.” He showed me round Blazes and I was particularly impressed with the Tramps Bar, which has been designed as a tribute to Charlie Chaplin.

LUXURIOUS

Said Mr Alvis, “The whole place is on a theatrical theme of one kind or another.” The Tramps Bar has some superb Charlie Chaplin drawings and opened umbrellas cover the ceiling. To keep up the sophisticated image. Blazes aren’t allowing under 21s in their bars and they insist that patrons must be smartly dressed. No tramps, in fact.

The Theatre Bar is luxurious with a Victorian atmosphere and Scottish Opera prints. But in the two restaurants they have really gone to town.

International cuisine features in the a la carte restaurant, quality named “Bottom’s” after the Shakespearean character.

Interior of Blazes. 1976.

The neighbouring restaurant, which also houses the stage and band, has table d’hôte menu, which is changed weekly and incorporates such mouth-watering dishes as veal atrogano’f. Although food has top priority, entertainment is important.

Mr Alvis raves about young singer Donna Reid, an “Opportunity Knocks” find, who is featured with Blazes’ own Tramps Trio.

FUNCTIONS

There is almost all-week-round entertainment. On Tuesday, Radio Clyde’s Frank Skerret holds his own chat and music show, which is fast becoming a favourite night out for women’s groups. On Wednesday it’s the turn of modern country ‘n’ Western group The Hay-riders, and, to round the week off, there are dinner dances on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

The long-established function side of the Berkeley isn’t forgotten. “We have bookings as far ahead as January 1978,” I was told all we can cater for parties from 40 to 120.”

Blazes advert 1976.

Another advert from the same year.

In the News 1978…

Beauty Of A Late Nightcap…

Like Cinderella these three lovelies have until midnight to charm the menfolk of Glasgow… thanks to the licensing court.

The girls, Elaine McIntyre (21), Joy Cadbury (18), and Marilyn MacIntosh (21)- work as waitresses at Blaze’s restaurant, which is the first place in the city to be granted a bar licence until midnight.

Owner of the restaurant, Teri Alvis, was overjoyed with the new licence, which will start operating from tomorrow. “After years and years of trying to improve the night life of Glasgow I am very happy to have the assistance of the licensing court,” he said.

Blazes advert 1978.

Do you remember this old establishment? If so please leave a comment and we will post your review.

END.